AIPEI (TVBS News) — A cold front sweeps across Taiwan Monday (Dec. 15), dropping temperatures to 3 degrees Celsius (37.4°F) at Taipingshan (太平山), a popular mountain destination in Yilan County, this morning. Lala Mountain (拉拉山) in Taoyuan reports fully booked accommodations for the upcoming weekend as visitors flock to experience the cold weather. Nighttime temperatures at the mountain resort are expected to be 10 degrees Celsius (18°F) lower than in the lowlands.
A landslide at Taipingshan National Forest Recreation Area (太平山國家森林遊樂區) on Saturday (Dec. 7) prompted urgent repairs now entering the second phase. Crews will continue work from Monday (Dec. 15) to Wednesday (Dec. 31), limiting road access at the 8.5-kilometer (5.3-mile) mark on Yizhuan Line (宜專一線) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., allowing vehicles to pass for 10 minutes every hour. Juan Ming-yang (阮名揚), manager of Taipingshan Villa, confirmed that the landslide, worsened by previous heavy rains, has left slopes unstable, prompting the park to adjust its reopening time to 8 a.m. Monday.
Visitors can still enjoy hot spring baths and egg-boiling services at Jiuzhize Hot Spring (鳩之澤) despite the road restrictions. The popular hot spring facility remains operational as repair crews work to stabilize the affected slopes. Park officials urge visitors to plan their trips around the hourly road access windows.
Meteorologists have issued a yellow alert, warning of sub-10-degree Celsius (sub-50°F) temperatures this morning in localized areas across northern Taiwan. Affected regions include New Taipei City (新北市), Hsinchu County (新竹縣), Miaoli County (苗栗縣), and Yilan County (宜蘭縣). Officials urge visitors heading to mountain areas to prepare warm clothing and check for updates on road conditions and park accessibility before departing. ◼